Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Rosemary and Thyme
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a change from your usual roast? Ever thought about jazzing up your chicken dinner recipes ? This cranberry glazed chicken recipe is just the ticket.
The sweet and tangy flavour will knock your socks off, mate!
Brief Overview
This chicken with fruit glaze originates from wanting something a bit more special than your standard Sunday roast. It's a pretty straightforward easy chicken recipes , taking about an hour to cook, and serves four hungry punters.
Think of it as a holiday chicken recipes made easy, but tasty enough for any occasion.
Main Benefits
Honestly, this cranberry glazed chicken recipe feels way fancier than it actually is. Plus, you get the goodness of cranberry juice which some say can help keep the lurgy at bay.
It's the perfect centrepiece for a gathering, guaranteed to impress. It’s special because of the homemade cranberry glaze , giving that amazing sweet and sour taste.
Getting Started with the Cranberry Glazed Chicken Recipe
Right then, let's talk ingredients. First off, you'll need a whole chicken, about 3-4 lbs. Then, grab some olive oil, salt, pepper, a sprig of rosemary, a few sprigs of thyme, and a lemon.
For the magic homemade cranberry glaze itself, it's all about that proper cranberry juice , red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, cornstarch, and a bit more rosemary and thyme.
We're aiming for a vibrant cranberry sauce for chicken vibe, but with a bit more depth.
Crafting the Perfect Cranberry Glaze
Now, here's where the magic happens. The glaze is a cranberry juice reduction that'll make your chicken sing. The cranberry rosemary chicken recipe gets its flavour from a careful balance of sweet, tart, and savoury.
By simmering the cranberry juice with vinegar, honey, mustard, and herbs, you get this incredible sticky glaze that just clings to the chicken.
Ingredients & Equipment for a Cracking Cranberry Glazed Chicken
Right then, fancy a cranberry glazed chicken recipe that's a proper showstopper? Forget boring Sunday roasts. This chicken with fruit glaze is next level, and I promise it's easier than you think.
It's one of my favorite easy chicken recipes .
Main Ingredients, Sorted
Here's what you'll need. I always say, good ingredients mean a good roast chicken recipe . Don't skimp!
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs / 1.3-1.8 kg ). Look for a chicken that's plump and has good colour.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml )
- 1 teaspoon salt ( 5 ml )
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ( 2.5 ml )
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 lemon, quartered
For the Cranberry Glaze:
- 1 cup cranberry juice ( 240 ml ), unsweetened. Ocean Spray is my go to.
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar ( 60 ml )
- ¼ cup honey ( 80g )
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ( 15 ml )
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ( 12 g )
- 2 tablespoons cold water ( 30 ml )
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Seasoning Secrets & Swaps
The secret to this cranberry rosemary chicken is the balance of flavors. The cranberry juice reduction gives that sweet and tart tang.
The rosemary and thyme? Essential! Adds a herbal note which is perfect for cranberry sauce for chicken .
Honestly, the rosemary and thyme are non-negotiable. They make it sing. If you're stuck, dried herbs are fine, but fresh is always best.
For a touch of extra warmth, a pinch of cinnamon is magic! It elevate the homemade cranberry glaze to the next level.
Gear You Need (and What'll Do in a Pinch)
Listen, you don't need fancy equipment. Just the basics will do for this recipe.
- Roasting pan. If you haven't got one, a deep baking dish will do.
- Meat thermometer. Absolutely crucial! You want 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh. This is very important.
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
These are some holiday chicken recipes that you can prepare for your family.
Cooking Method: Cranberry Glazed Chicken Magic
Honestly, who doesn't love a good chicken dinner recipe ? This cranberry glazed chicken recipe takes things up a notch.
It's like your average roast chicken, but fancy . Think sweet, tangy, and perfect for a holiday chicken recipes , or, like, a Tuesday!
Prep Like a Pro
First, mise en place, darling! Get everything ready. Chop the herbs, measure out the liquids. Having it all laid out saves time and stress, you know? Plus, pat that bird dry.
A dry chicken equals crispy skin. It's a fact. Remember, sharp knives need respect. Watch those fingers.
step-by-step: Glaze to Glory
- Heat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Rub that chicken down with oil, salt, and pepper. Then, stuff it with rosemary, thyme, and lemon.
- Roast for 30 minutes .
- Now, the glaze! Combine 1 cup cranberry juice (yes, really!) with vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, rosemary and thyme in a pan. This is where the magic happens. The secret is using good quality cranberry juice ! A cranberry juice reduction is key.
- Thicken the glaze with cornstarch and water. Stir it until it's glossy, around 2- 3 minutes .
- Glaze time! Slather it all over the chicken.
- Roast for another 15- 25 minutes , until the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Baste with glaze often.
- Rest it for 10 minutes before carving.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Want that cranberry sauce for chicken flavor? Baste, baste, baste! More glaze means more flavor. Dry brining the chicken for an hour or two before roasting makes the skin extra crispy.
Also, don't be shy with the herbs. Cranberry rosemary chicken is a winner!
Common mistakes? Overcooking! Use a meat thermometer. Seriously. You can make the homemade cranberry glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
It's a brilliant time saver. Enjoy your easy chicken recipes journey! This chicken with fruit glaze recipe might just become your new favorite.
Recipe Notes
So, you're diving into making cranberry glazed chicken , eh? Good on ya! Before you preheat the oven for this roast chicken recipe , let's chat about some things I've learned along the way.
Honestly, these little nuggets of wisdom can make or break your holiday chicken recipes experience.
Serving Suggestions - Make it a feast!
Let’s talk presentation. Forget basic plating! Arrange your sliced cranberry rosemary chicken on a warmed platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and maybe a few extra cranberries for pop.
Picture this: golden chicken, vibrant green herbs, and ruby red cranberries all screaming "delicious!"
As for sides? Oh my gosh, roasted potatoes with rosemary are a must. Green beans with almonds are lovely too.
For a lighter option, consider a simple quinoa salad. Think about wine pairings as well, a fruity Pinot Noir can be the best friend.
It’s a match made in heaven.
Storage Tips Keep the Good Times Rolling!
Got leftovers? Pop that chicken with fruit glaze into an airtight container. It’ll happily chill in the fridge for about three to four days.
For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Just wrap the chicken well to prevent freezer burn and it should be good for about 2-3 months.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth. This ensures it doesn’t dry out, you know?
Reheating instructions: Reheat in a 350° F/ 175° C oven until warmed through.
Variations - Get Creative with Your Cranberry Glaze !
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your homemade cranberry glaze . Boom! Instant warmth.
For a different twist, swap the honey for maple syrup. It gives a lovely, almost caramel like flavour. A true taste sensation.
For a lighter option, sub in butternut squash for a delicious meal.
Dietary adaptations: If you are aiming for gluten-free dish, be sure to select a gluten-free cornstarch.
Nutrition Basics Good for You, Too!
Okay, so this easy chicken recipes is tasty, but what about the good stuff inside? Roughly, each serving clocks in around 450 calories.
You’re getting a decent whack of protein (45g) and some fats (25g). There are also some carbs (15g) and a bit of sugar (10g) from the cranberry juice .
Did you know cranberry juice is known to be an antioxidant powerhouse? Bonus!
Alright, you got this! Remember that this cranberry glazed chicken recipe isn't just about following steps. It's about having a laugh, experimenting a bit, and creating something truly delicious.
And honestly? If you need to pick up some cranberry juice , don't stress. Just go grab that Ocean Spray and nail your cranberry juice reduction ! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweetened cranberry juice for the glaze? Will it be too sweet?
We recommend using unsweetened cranberry juice, like Ocean Spray 100% Cranberry Juice, for this recipe. Sweetened cranberry juice can make the glaze overly sweet, masking the other delicious flavours. If you only have sweetened juice, you might want to reduce the amount of honey to balance it out.
No one wants a glaze that tastes like sticky toffee!
Help! My cranberry glaze is too thin. How do I thicken it up?
A thin glaze can be a bit of a bother, a bit like a runny custard. The cornstarch slurry is key for thickening. Make sure you've whisked the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot cranberry juice mixture.
If it's still too thin after simmering for a few minutes, you can mix another small slurry of cornstarch and water (half a tablespoon each) and add it gradually, until you reach your preferred consistency.
What’s the best way to store leftover Cranberry Glazed Chicken? And how long will it last?
Leftovers are brilliant for a quick lunch the next day! Store your Cranberry Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, making sure the chicken is heated through. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
I'm trying to eat healthier. Is cranberry juice actually good for me?
Cranberry juice does offer some nutritional benefits. It's a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help support the immune system. However, be mindful of the sugar content, especially in sweetened varieties. Using unsweetened cranberry juice helps keep the sugar levels more manageable.
Also, keep an eye on portion sizes, as with any food, moderation is key.
Can I make the cranberry glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the glaze in advance is a great time saver. Prepare it according to the recipe instructions, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you're ready to use it, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it's smooth and easily brushable. This ensures the cranberry juice reduction is perfect every time.
Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar in the cranberry glaze? I don’t have any on hand.
Don't you worry! You can certainly substitute the red wine vinegar. A good alternative is apple cider vinegar, which will provide a similar tang. White wine vinegar would also work in a pinch.
If you're really stuck, you could even use lemon juice, but start with a smaller amount (about half the amount of vinegar) and taste as you go, adjusting to your preference.
Cranberry Glazed Chicken With Rosemary And Thyme
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 1g |
